What Japanese Used Cars Appeal To the Youth in South Africa?

For most students in the University in South Africa, their dream is to own a car before they hit 25 years of age. That is why South Africa has the highest per capita car ownership on the continent. Today, owning a car has become a matter of personal choice rather than luxury. People have realized that the model of a car that they drive speaks a lot about them.

Here are four of the best used cars in Africa that have won the hearts of the fast growing middle class:

Toyota Celica

The origin of the name Celica is Latin meaning heavenly and this sporty auto gives just that kind of feeling. In Africa, we love everything that is connected with the divine, even when it is only in a name. But about this sports car, it is affordable, it is fast and it is a TOYOTA for crying out loud. That means it can be tuned locally, to suck more speed out of the engine. Its parts are readily available.

Although the production of the Celica ended in 2006, this car has simply refused to go out of the market, although it is now only available as a used car for Africa. It is a favorite for many young Africans due to its sporty features.

Did you know that the Celica has featured in the East African Safari Rally and in the Dakar Rally? This affordable Japanese car is made for racing on the terrains of Africa. No used car exporter will want to miss this in their collection.

Toyota RAV4

Having evolved from a mini SUV to a compact SUV, the RAV4 presents a combo of style, class and affordability at the same time. It is one of the most beloved used cars in Africa. While there are other SUVs from Germany, Britain and elsewhere, those are out of reach for many African youth. This Japanese car is very affordable. The current 2013 model, the Fourth generation RAV4 is rich in tech and safety features. It comes with eight airbags for safety, the Blind Spot Monitor that alerts you when you get too close to a vehicle when parking, more cargo space than you will ever need. This car is ready for you whenever you are. It is the ideal vehicle for the terrains of Africa.

While what is mostly available for secondhand car exporters in Japan are the first to the third generation RAV4, the fourth generation is out. It will soon get to Africa. Like its predecessors, it will take the world by storm in Africa.

Toyota Caldina

The long nosed Caldina station wagon has become a darling for many people in Africa. They say that it has never been officially sold out of Japan but well, it is all over in Africa. With independent strut rear suspension; this wagon has become a favorite commercial wagon in African capitals. However, young people love it for its speed, with a monstrous engine of 2000cc turbocharged; it is a racing monster, powerful and showy.

Many Japanese used car exporters don’t miss Toyota Caldinas in their collection. It is one of the most sought after used cars in Africa. Five doors, now sold as Active Sports GT, all wheel drive and electronic stability control on all versions of the Active Sports Caldina, accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in about 7 seconds, with so many powerful features, what more could people want? It is little wonder that it tops the list of used car imports to Africa.

Mazda Tribute

Mazda Tribute can be mistaken for the third generation Toyota RAV4 from afar. This compact SUV continues to win the hearts of Africa because of its compatibility with the terrain. It is available in front and four-wheel drive. While Mazda has not been as popular as Toyota and Nissan, this compact SUV will get you great value for your money. Remember, this car is built on the Ford CD2 platform, therefore making it an ideal compact SUV for Africa.